Dovetail



July 7, 1936- w. c. DEVEREAUX 2,046,512

DOVETAIL Filed Jan. 28, 1935 9H/k.) Gaim/L 9% ATT EYS.

direction of the arrows;

tion.

Patented .uy 7, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 10 Claims.

, This invention relates to door dovetails particularly, although not exclusively, adapted for use in connection with doors of automobile or Yother vehicle bodies, an object of the invention being to provide an improved v.device of this type having cooperating parts adapted to be mounted on the door and body pillar or other frame member, said parts functioning in improved and eiective manner to produce a supporting connection between the door and pillar of substantially rigid and inexible nature.

-A further object of the invention is to provide an improved dovetail which may be mounted on the door and bodypillars of a vehicle body adjacent the hinged edges thereof and composed of coacting male and female parts which, when situated on the opposed jamb faces of the pillars, may be utilized not only to prevent vibration and rattling of the door but also to supplant one of the conventional hinge supporting members for the door. Another object is to provide improved means which is inconspicuous when the door is open and completely hidden when closed and which permits the hinging or supporting of a door of the curved or inwardly sloping type without the necessity of employing the unsightly top or upper hinge now in use on bodies of this character.

A further object is to provide an improved dovetail which is ecient in operation, of relatively simple construction, and one which is capable of being manufactured at relatively low cost.

Other objects of the invention will appear in the following description and appended claims whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specica- In said drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of an automobile body illustrating the invention applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section valong the line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

4 Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken substanytially along the line 3 3 of Fig. 1.

' Fig. 4 is a section taken substantially along the taken substantially line4 4 of Fig. 3 in the directionl of the arrows.

Fig.,5 is an elevation, partly in section, taken substantially along the line 5 5 of Fig. 3 in the Fig. 6 is a section corresponding to Fig. 3 with the door partly'open.

' Fig; k7 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a modifiedV form of the invention. Y

Fig. 8 is an elevational view, partly in section, taken substantially along the line 8 8 of Fig. 7; and

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Figs. 3 and 7, showing a further modied form of the invention. 5

Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawing, since the 10 invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and it is not intended to limit the invention claimed herein beyond the requirements of the prior art.

As is well known, modern streamlined enclosed automobile bodies are often provided with doors andV door pillars which slope or are inclined upwardly and inwardly from the body sill toward the roof unit, thus producing a decided curvature or inward sweep in the region of the upper section of the door and its supporting pillar. In these bodies it is often necessary to employ a top hinge construction of sufficient size and length topermit swinging of the door, since the pivotal point of this hinge must be vertically alined with the pivotal point or points of the hinge or hinges for supporting the lower section of the door. Obviously, such hinges are unsightly and detract from the appearance of the car, in addition to providing an objectionable projection which extends a substantial distance beyond the side wall of the body. By virtue of the present invention vthe foregoing objections have been overcome and an improved dovetail provided by which the upper section or portion of a curved or inwardly sloping door may be rigidly supported when closed to prevent rattling and jarring due to vibrations set up when the vehicle is in motion.

In the accompanying drawing I have shown, merely by way of example, several modications of a dovetail construction embodying the invention and shown in position for supporting the upper section of an automobile door. Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 2 there is shown as a Vwhole at A an automobile body having a sill B, a roof'structure or rail C, a body pillar D and a front door E. The lower section of the door below the belt panel E' is pivotally supported for swinging movement relative to the pillar D by means of conventional hinges I0, the upper section of the door, that is, that portion thereof which is above the belt panel E', being supported 55 Afl.

when in closed position by the improved dovetail construction of the present invention which` is shown as a whole at I I.

Referring now particularly to Figs. 3 to 6 inclusive, there is shown one form of my improved dovetail construction. In this form the upper section or portion of the pillar of the door E is provided in its inner edge or jamb face with a depression I2 which may be pressed into the pillar. This depression I2 is adapted to receive and support a removable plate I3, providing the base or supporting portion of a preferably conical wedge-shaped stud or projection I4 forming the male member of the dovetail. The plate or base is provided with a pair of spaced elongated openings or slots I3a which receive sap l@ which are' threaded into the Ymetal of the depressed portion to secure the plate and studinI position, the slots andscrews providing means permitting vertical adjustment of the member relative tothe face lof the door jamb so as to a'ccornmod'ate itself to the female socket member of the dovetail carried by the pillar D.

. Referring now to the cooperating female member or socket portion of thedovetail, thereV is pro-- videda preferably cylindrical housing or casing I6 having an outermarginal flange I'I which, as shown, may be secured in place between a tace or closure plate IB provided-'with a central opening Ia and one flange of a ring-like member I9 which,V as i shown, is substantially Z-shaped in cross section. rIfhe parts I'I, I8, and I9- are assembled and are secured in place within a recess or depression formed in the edge or jarnb face ofthe pillar D many suitable manner, such as Yby spot welding. Located within the housing or casing Ifimis a series oi preferably three segmental members ZI having` their peripheral edge portions 'preferably' curvedv or rounded to provide convexst ir'faces`l 2id which contactV the side walls ef the heptane, The meer end. portieri of, the housing 'is Stamped or Shaped to provide an annu: larre'cess or groove 22l to receive and support a perforated fase 'or washer 2.3, ameri. is. aan in place in the groove by an inwardly extending an'riela eariee 2te termed on the housing. The ih'feeeeemeetal bleeke er member'el 2111. together previa@ "a Seeketf portieri. 2lb as. Shown, is Slibtftally @Geiel te 'accommodate the Sill@ 01 male memberl [4. The outer face of each seg- I'leli ieeeeeeed, er, 'elli away at Le and When assembled, elle reeesees Provide a Substantially 'eehiieusaafiular groove te reeeive and alienati @ne eflidl i a eelf'eprifre 2,5- Theepposite end of the spring` engages the Yinner face ot the washer 23. As seen in` Fig. 6, the sprl zo engages au f the eee'neillalmemberS-I 'simultaneously and serves ythedual function, of maintaining these rilembeeejteeeeher as a 'una and otrl'npaiiy maintaining them against the fo rward, wall` or plate I8, -of the housing or casing. The spring is `fo'r'iilecifof''any desired sauge ei vire and.- ef sufficient strength to cause theblocks 2,1 to exert a sucient Yforce or pressureupon the stud or member Idl toresist its movementlintpthe socket 2lb` when the door is swung into closed position. The spring also maintains the parts agairistrela tive movement andfconsequent rattling. .l jarring when they assume. the positions are shown4 injF 3. However, the blocksare eanablefefa limited feelner QS 1 e move.-

' meyitwhen the Stilelmevee into .er outer-.engagem Il?? Wfhfhem, t0.; aeeemmedate, themselves to f die etage., atie, pagina.. or www. It... man@ tained, within tae'caaae. against @sagement by vmeans ofthe plateIlIt. which Wi manner. 5

In Figs. 7 and 8 there is shown a modified form of dovetail construction embodying the invention; In these gures the edge or jamb of the door E is provided in its upper section with a vdepressed portion or recess I2 corresponding to the depression shown in the previous figures and adapted to receive and support a removable plate II3 to which is fastened a malev stud member I I4. ThisV member, as shown is substantially conical and has a reduced neck portion or shank [Illa which 15 passed through an opening H311. formed in the plate, the outer end of the neck portion beingV riveted over at IIlib to secure the stud member tp the plate. As in the previousy form of the invention, the plate II3 is adjustably secured. in 20 position-inthe recess ordepression by a plurality r: P-he body pillarl D in the present form of the inventionV has its jamb face or edge formed to provide an'apertured recess ordepressed portion 25 II-I to receive and support aremovablemetal Y plate IIS. The plate'carries on its inner face a Y casing or housing portionV Iliiy the latter having at its inner endan inturned marginalange portion'or lip I'IGa. which isl adaptedto receive and 30 support an apertured disc or washer 23. Y The plate M8 and washer provide the end wallsoff the casing. -The outer end ofy the housing has a surrounding -ange IAI'Eiby by which thefhousgingv is attachedto the plate lI I'8, this being accom,- plished byfrmeans of spot-welding (Fig. 7) or any other suitable manner. 1 rlfifie casing is adapted to receive a spring 2i anda series of' segmental blocks or members 2l whicljl, when assegnbled, provide, as shown, a tapered socket portieri 2lb adapted to receive the conical studV or male member'l I-eofj the dovetail.A lt be seen that the patte are arranged in sweetantiallyV the. manner 'as irl the preeedine ligeras. and are main.-

v the @Diesem Ul .emiie'field in elaee tl1., ei.r.1 by screws or the like I'ISa, V'lhe plate |18u is cenrmal-1vaperture@ae li! 811 te permit illegalmenber te pase therethrough Wherithe deer is closeo- AS. the ereeediee .ferns of; the, invention, the spring 25; which has its opposite ends in engagement. With. the. reesed inner. face of the. ses- Hientalmemleee Eliane. they plateer washer 2.3,V Serves. te maintain the segments. together. The Speise. ie ef.: Seieieee stressen to, f oreel the; segments, as'a unit, toward the closure plate I I myen permitting limited relative rocking movementof the eeveralbleeke .01: segments..V Wheathe door is dosed, asehewn., the, 'Senna the: segments o to tightly grip the stud 'member or; thel dovetail and middle parte. together te. preventaev possiV` ubility ofV rattling orjarring'due to,vib1qati,onsl set Wlehfels sllewaieerreseerids to. memben I I4 shown in Figs. 7 and a.Y stugifisinsentedjn Y thpfopeni-,ns andithe endofithe reduced neclgnortion or shank thereof/:isiiattened orf rivetediover u at I |41) to secure the stud rigidly in place. The jamb face 2I8 of the pillar D is apertured at 2I8b to permit the passage therethrough of the stud member IIlI when the door is closed. The socket or female portion of the dovetail construction comprises a preferably round metal housing or casing I6 having a marginal ange Ilia which, as shown, is secured to the inner face of the jamb ZIB by spot Welding. The inner or free end of the casing is shaped to provide an annular recess or groove 22 corresponding to the recess 22 shown in Figs. 3 and 6, for the purpose of receiving and supporting an apertured disc or Washer 23 which is held in place Within the groove by the inturned ange 24. In the present instance, the jamb face 2 I8 provides the front closure or Wall of the casing or housing. As in the preceding forms, the housing contains a plurality of segmental members or blocks 2I, which together provide a tapered socket portion 2Ib to receive the stud I I4, there being a coiled spring 25 interposed between the blocks and the washer 23 to hold the segments together and to force them toward the jamb face 2I8 for the same purpose as the corresponding springs shown in preceding figures.

I claim:

1. A dovetail member for a vehicle door comprising, in combination, a housing, a plurality of segmental members mounted in said housing for sliding and rocking movements therein relative to the movement of a door with which it is to be used, said members together providing a socket having a tapered conical recess, and a compression spring engaging said members for yieldingly maintaining them together as a unit and for urging them toward an end wall of said housing.

2. A dovetail member for a vehicle door comprising, in combination, a housing, a plurality of segmental members mounted in said housing for sliding and rocking movements therein relative to the movement of a door with which it is to be used, said members together providing a socket having a tapered conical recess, and a compression spring engaging said members for yieldingly maintaining them together as a unit and for urging them in a direction co-planar with the vehicle door when closed.

3. A dovetail member for a vehicle door comprising, in combination, a housing, a plurality of segmental members mounted in said housing for sliding and rocking movements therein relative to the movement of a door With which it is to be used, said members together providing a socket having a tapered conical recess, said door having a projection adapted to engage said socket, and a compression spring for maintaining the segmental members in engagement With one another when the door is open.

4. A dovetail member for a vehicle door comprising, in combination, a housing, a plurality of segmental members mounted in said housing for sliding and rocking movements therein relative to the movement of a door with which it is to be used, saidV members together providing a socket having a tapered conical recess, said door having a conical projection adapted to engage said socket, and a compression spring for maintaining the segmental members in engagement with one another when the door is open.

5. A dovetail comprising a housing adapted to be carried by a door frame, a plurality of segmental blocks together providing a socket member mounted for sliding movement in said housing and having a central recess, said blocks having a common spring receiving recess formed therein, a stud member adapted to be carried by a door and adapted to enter said socket when the door is closed, and a compression spring engaging the recess in said blocks and yieldingly maintaining them as a unit in engagement with said stud member.

6. A dovetail comprising a housing adapted to be carried by a door frame, a plurality of segmental blocks together providing a socket member mounted for sliding movement in said housing and having a central recess, a stud member adapted to be carried by a door and adapted to enter said socket when the door is closed, and a compression spring engaging said blocks and yieldingly maintaining them as a unit in engagement with said stud member, said spring permitting limited relative rocking movement of said blocks during the initial engagement or disengagement thereof by said stud.

'7. A dovetail for a vehicle door and door frame, comprising a housing adapted to be carried by said door frame, a series of segmental resiliently supported members substantially abutting when in normal positions and together providing a socket having a central recess located in said housing and adapted for limited movement as a unit therein, and an adjustable substantially conical projecting member carried by said door and adapted to engage said recess when the door is closed.

8. A door dovetail including male and female members, the male member comprising a Wedgeshaped projection and the female member comprising segmental blocks substantially abutting when in normal positions and forming a central wedge-shaped recess, and a single coil spring common to said blocks.

9. A dovetail for connecting door and body pillars at the hinged edge of the door, comprising a Wedge-shaped male member projecting from the jamb of the door pillar in the direction of its plane, and a female member mounted in a recess in the jamb face of the body pillar, said female member comprising a plurality of spring supported segmental blocks forming a central recess having its major axis lying in the plane of the door when closed.

10. A dovetail for connecting door and body pillars at the hinged edge of the door, comprising a Wedge-shaped male member projecting from the jamb face of one of said pillars, and a female member mounted in a recess in the jamb face of the other pillar, said female member comprising a plurality of yieldable blocks forminga central recess having its major axis lying in the plane of the door and in line With said male member when 65 

